The Standard Bank Berg & Bush is one of my favourite mountain bike stage races on the calendar, and when the opportunity arose to join the Descent this year, I didn’t think twice.
This year, the route for Stage One had to be changed due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the farms in the area. The usual drop off the escarpment is a real highlight of the event, and losing it could have been a blow to the overall experience. However, in the space of just two weeks the team managed to pull together an alternate route that was an impressive alternative and a true representation of the terrain and beauty of the Drakensberg region.
I won’t take you through a breakdown of each stage and what we covered. You can view that here. What you need to know is that the scenery is incredible, the trails are smooth, fast, and ideal for all levels of riders, and the distances are manageable: even if you work a badass job and don’t have time to train like a pro.
There are several features that keep me coming back for more.
The season
I’ve said it before, but the bushveld sunshine in June is, quite frankly, medicinal if you’re coming from the Cape winter. The nights can be chilly, but this year we were incredibly fortunate with the weather. The nights and mornings were mild. It’s a beautiful feeling basking in the sun and sipping a Chenin next to the Tugela River, wearing shorts in June.
The vibe
This is not a deeply serious event aimed at pro riders: it’s for those who love riding bikes and experiencing new parts of the country while enjoying truly heartfelt hospitality.
A highlight for me is the exceptional race village. The whole event feels like you’re being hosted by an incredibly welcoming family member who has run out of house space but has made a plan to host you in the best possible way. Every small detail has been taken care of; right down to the festive flags and décor that make the race village feel cosy.
Even the most basic tents are equipped with proper beds and mattresses, which just makes the ‘camping’ experience a whole lot easier. The bathrooms and showers are permanent structures, equipped with small touches like a full-length mirror and convenient shelves to stow your gear while you shower.
The catering has to be some of the best in the game. We were served everything from juicy steaks to delicious and abundant fresh salads. My personal favourite was the slow-cooked pulled pork wrap and salads for lunch on the final day. There is a 24-hour tea and coffee bar, overflowing with delicious homemade snacks and fresh fruit. I ended up consuming outrageous quantities of the chocolate chip cookies.
The merch store is problematically full of a diverse range of gems; from beautifully designed apparel to branded Stanley flasks, gorgeous towels, and even solar string lights (somehow I ended up on the plane home with these. I’m still not sure how it happened but no regrets!).
Lastly, a personal highlight every year is the talk given by historian Ray Heron on the Battle of Spioenkop. His passion is contagious. The hill was the site of a brutal and futile battle during the Second Boer War, and I find it fascinating to imagine fighting a war on foot in the countryside we ride through. This year, the talk took place on the shady banks of the Tugela River, complete with fresh popcorn and ice-cold Chenin Blanc, courtesy of Standard Bank.
Unplug
A personal highlight is the limited reception in the race village. If you really need to, you can connect to Wi-Fi, but the setup forces you to really think about it. I noticed fewer people on their phones, which in turn encouraged me to leave mine at the charging station and embrace the unplugged experience. It was a real treat to enjoy two full afternoon naps without compulsively checking emails and messages.
The riding
The route feels like it has been designed to make you enjoy riding your bike. Think winding cattle trails, perfectly carved berms, and fast flats (when there isn’t a headwind). For the most part, the climbs are gradual, allowing you to smash it or tap it out—depending on your mood and fitness level.
For someone from the Western Cape like me, the bushveld scenery is a novel treat. Everything from the warm light to the red dirt and the majestic, ancient thorn trees feels exotic and exciting. The views are breathtaking (and not just because you’ve climbed a hill at altitude to get there).
I have to confess that I didn’t stop at the waterpoints. I still get caught up in racing too much to justify more than a quick refuel and chain lube (which was prompt, and I couldn’t have asked for more enthusiasm). The photos and rider feedback in the dinner tent have convinced me that the waterpoints are more than well-stocked, and well worth attending to.
The final climb up Spioenkop is particularly special. It consists of 50 switchbacks which wind their way through thick bush to the top. It’s incredible to think of the soldiers making their way up there on foot in the dark. Similarly, the graves at the top are a sombre reminder of the history of the region. The descent off the top is the perfect finale to the event: over twenty minutes of glorious, swooping trails back down towards the Tugela River. It ensures every rider ends on a high and is ready to come back for more.
What you need to know
If you’re travelling from Cape Town or flying in from anywhere else, here are a few pointers to make your life easier:
- The event offer an airport shuttle service from OR Tambo, which is a comfortable and relaxing way to get there (even if it is a long travel day).
- Make use of the bike transport service. All in Events collect your bike and transport it; so you don’t have to lug a bike box around the airport or stress about unboxing and reboxing. It’s worth every cent.
- Pack for all seasons. The nights can be chilly, but the days are balmy. You’ll wear everything from shorts and tees to thermals and a beanie. Similarly, be prepared to layer your riding gear.
- I’d recommend ensuring you have a GPS and are comfortable using it to follow the route. The route is well marked, but I rode blind, and there were moments when I was frantically looking for the next orange flag, wondering if I’d gone wrong.
TL;DR
Whether you come for the trails, the sunshine, the stories, or the snacks, Berg & Bush offers more than just a race. It’s a chance to unplug, and reconnect. With nature, with fellow riders, and with the joy of simply riding your bike. It’s a happy reminder of what I love about riding bikes, and I’ll be back for more.
Inspired? Learn more here, or find your next adventure in our Events Calendar
